The East Tennessee Chinese Association (ETCA) is an independent, non-for-profit organization founded in 1992 by Chinese and Chinese Americans living in the Knoxville and Oak Ridge region of Tennessee. The primary goal of ETCA is to encourage academic, professional, and cultural exchanges among members; promote activities related to Chinese arts and culture, and foster the recognition and integration of the Chinese community in East Tennessee. ETCA is also actively involved in various charitable fund raising events, and plays an important role in community diversity and cultural programs.

ETCA is the original sponsor of the thriving East Tennessee Chinese School, where more than 80 student study Chinese language on Sundays. The Chinese school has become the back bone of the local Chinese community. Other clubs ETCA supports include the Tai-chi club, the Martial Arts (Wushu) Club, and the Knoxville Chinese Chorus Club. ETCA annually hosts picnics, parties (e.g. mid-autumn) and group outings for members and their friends. It co-hosts the annual Grand Chinese New Year Performance Night, which attracts local Chinese and other ethnic Americans in the area.

ETCA strives to bridge different cultures and encourage members to be actively involved in their local communities. Throughout the years, ETCA members have participated in community services such as "feed the needy" and "adopt a road". ETCA is also actively involved in various charitable fund raising events (e.g. donations to flood victims in China in 1998, to earthquake victims in Taiwan in 2001, and the annual Dragon Boat Race which benefits the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministory). Together with other local Chinese organizations, ETCA has played an important role in enriching the diverse culture in the Knoxville/Oak Ridge region. In 2000, ETCA's contributions to the local community were recognized by the Tennessee State House of Representatives with a formal Proclamation.